Artworks sent packing for a trip across the pond

Priceless works of art are disappearing from the walls of the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), but staff are thrilled about it.

The NGA is farewelling more than 117 iconic works in a generous loan to the Royal Academy of Arts in London for an exhibition entitled 'Australia'.

The exhibition is the biggest display of Australian landscape art ever seen in the United Kingdom.

Exhibition co-curator Anna Gray says it is a wonderful opportunity for Australia.

"It's art from the 1800's until today," she said.

"So many people will be able to see what wonderful achievements our Australian artists have made over many years."

British High Commissioner Paul Madden says the exhibition will reflect Australia's vast, rugged beauty and its diverse people.

"When I was last back in London I popped into the Royal Academy and they're very excited about receiving this exhibition," he said.

"There's a huge amount of interest in Australia back in the UK."

NGA director Ron Radford says it is a proud moment for the gallery.

"This partnership between the Royal Academy of Arts and the National Gallery of Australia is a great opportunity to present Australia's strong visual arts tradition," he said.

Mr Radford says while gallery treasures are constantly on tour, this latest loan has left gaps to fill.

"More than 200 of our most important and interesting works are away," he said.

"Now, we have plenty of works to replace them, but it will interest me.

"Can a collection sustain 200 of its best works to be away at one time?"

Mr Radford says it is the greatest number of works ever sent packing from the NGA at one time.

"We are confident that Australia will be embraced by audiences in London and will provide visitors to the exhibition with a monumental insight into the rich visual arts culture of this country," he said.